The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) plans to relocate Aapli Bus operations to Mor Bhavan extension, aiming to alleviate congestion on Amravati Road, particularly between Variety Square and Maharajbagh Square, as well as on North Ambazari Road.
The NMC is currently developing a bus terminus on a 7-acre plot within Mor Bhavan, with its hot mix department already engaged in levelling the area. Once levelling is complete, the department will proceed to construct two 12-meter and two 9-meter roads. This will facilitate the shift of bus operations, as confirmed by a senior official from NMC’s transport department. Upon completion of the terminus, it is anticipated that at least 200 buses will be able to be parked there.
Currently, the existing Mor Bhavan bus terminus is insufficient for NMC to operate its fleet of 400 Aapli Buses. Despite dozens of platforms, the Maharashtra State Transport Corporation (MSRTC) had allowed NMC to ply its buses only from eight platforms
The Mor Bhavan bus stand, initially designated for city bus services, was commandeered by MSRTC until 2007. Despite efforts for its return, MSRTC’s refusal left NMC to resort to curbside operations, notably on Maharajbagh Road and North Ambazari Road. This shift exacerbated congestion, particularly near Rani Jhansi Square, affecting schools and causing chaotic passenger crowding.
Two new entry and exit points on Wardha Road, near Rani Jhansi Square, are set to alleviate congestion. The lack of centralized bus parking at locations like Mor Bhavan has caused financial losses for the NMC due to dead kilometers, with buses parked in depots at Khapri, Hingna, or Wadi. Following high court orders, the state government allocated nearly 7 acres of land owned by Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth to the NMC five years ago.
Progress on developing the terminus has been slow, but there’s been recent activity. Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Abhijeet Chaudhari visited the site and issued guidelines to expedite its development. The plan involves designating 12-meter roads for entry and exit, connecting the existing DP road on the west side of the extended bus terminus. This will create a direct route from Maharajbagh Road to North Ambazari Road.
PMI Electro Mobility Solutions Private Limited, a Haryana-based company, has already established opportunity charging stations with six points for e-buses. Additionally, the NMC is working on developing charging stations at Wathoda, Koradi, and Khapri. The plan includes providing separate toilet facilities for commuters and arrangements for drinking water. Moreover, stormwater networks will be laid to prevent waterlogging during the monsoon season, as stated by the official.